Fios is fiber-optic internet delivered through cables run directly to your home

Fios is Verizon's fiber-optic internet service. Instead of using the copper telephone lines or coaxial cables that carry cable internet, Fios runs thin fiber-optic strands — cables made of glass or plastic that transmit data as pulses of light — directly from Verizon's network to your home. This difference in the physical cable matters because fiber can carry much more data at much higher speeds than older infrastructure.

Fios is available only in certain areas. Verizon has built out fiber networks in parts of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and some areas of the Midwest and South, but large regions of the country have no Fios service at all. You can check whether Fios reaches your address on Verizon's website by entering your zip code and street address.

The service comes in different speed tiers. Fios 300 offers read speeds around 300 Mbps, Fios 500 offers around 500 Mbps, and Fios Gig offers around 940 Mbps. Upload speeds are typically close to read speeds — a major difference from cable internet, where uploads are much slower. Fios also includes a modem and router in the monthly fee, and Verizon handles equipment support.

Key Takeaways

  • Fios uses fiber-optic cables instead of copper or coaxial lines, which allows much faster speeds and more balanced upload and read performance.
  • Fios is only available in certain geographic areas, mostly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, so you need to check your specific address before considering it.
  • The service includes a modem and router with no separate equipment rental fee, and Verizon provides technical support for the equipment.
  • Fios speeds are symmetrical, meaning upload speeds match read speeds, which matters if you video conference, stream content, or upload files regularly.

How fiber-optic cables deliver faster speeds than cable or DSL

Fiber-optic cables transmit data as light signals rather than electrical signals. Light travels through the fiber strands at extremely high speeds with very little signal loss, even over long distances. This means Fios can deliver the speeds advertised to your home without the slowdown that happens with older cable types.

Cable internet (the kind delivered through coaxial cables) shares bandwidth among all customers in your neighborhood on the same line. When many people use the network at once, speeds drop. Fios fiber lines are dedicated to individual homes or small groups of homes, so your speed does not degrade as much when neighbors are online. This is why Fios tends to deliver more consistent speeds during peak hours.

DSL, which uses copper telephone lines, is the slowest of the three. The farther you live from the telephone company's central office, the slower your connection. Fiber does not have this distance limitation, so Fios delivers the same speeds whether you live a quarter-mile or several miles from the network hub.

What speeds and plans Fios offers

Fios 300 provides read speeds of around 300 Mbps and upload speeds of around 300 Mbps. This tier is suitable for households with multiple people streaming video, video conferencing, and general web use at the same time. Fios 500 delivers around 500 Mbps in both directions and is a step up for households that do heavy uploading or want more headroom for multiple simultaneous activities.

Fios Gig is the highest tier, offering around 940 Mbps read and upload speeds. This is overkill for most households but matters if you work from home doing video production, run a small business from your home, or have a very large household with many devices and heavy users.

Verizon bundles Fios internet with TV and phone service, but you can order internet alone. The monthly price varies by location and current promotions. Introductory rates are often lower than the regular price, so ask what the rate will be after the promotional period ends before you commit.

Equipment included and what you pay for

Fios includes a modem and router as part of the service. You do not rent them separately or pay an equipment fee. Verizon owns the equipment and handles repairs or replacements if something fails. If your modem or router stops working, you contact Verizon support and they send a replacement or schedule a technician visit.

The modem converts the fiber signal into data your devices can use. The router broadcasts that data as Wi-Fi throughout your home. Verizon's equipment is adequate for most homes, though some people replace the router with a third-party model if they want better Wi-Fi range or specific features. If you use your own router, you still need Verizon's modem.

Installation is typically done by a Verizon technician who runs the fiber line to your home, installs the modem and router, and tests the connection. This is usually included in the service, though some promotions waive the installation fee while others charge for it. Ask about installation costs when you check availability.

Fios versus cable and DSL in your area

If Fios is available at your address, it is usually faster and more reliable than cable or DSL from the same region. Fiber delivers symmetrical speeds — uploads match downloads — while cable internet typically has much slower uploads. DSL is slower overall and degrades with distance from the central office.

The main limitation of Fios is availability. Verizon has not built fiber networks everywhere, so many people have no choice but cable or DSL. If Fios is available to you, the decision usually comes down to price and whether the speeds meet your needs. A household that streams video and does occasional video calls may not need Fios Gig and could save money with Fios 300 or 500.

If Fios is not available, compare the cable and DSL options in your area. Cable internet is faster than DSL and available in more places, but Fios is faster than both if you can get it. Check what providers serve your address and what speeds each one offers before deciding.

Contract terms and cancellation

Fios internet does not require a long-term contract. You can cancel the service with 30 days' notice, though Verizon may charge an early termination fee if you cancel during a promotional period. The fee amount depends on how long the promotion lasts and how much time remains. Ask about the early termination fee before you sign up so you know what it would cost to leave.

If you bundle Fios internet with TV or phone service, the contract and cancellation terms may differ for each service. Internet might have no contract while TV has a two-year term, for example. Verizon will explain the terms for each service separately when you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fios available at my address?

You can check Fios availability on Verizon's website by entering your zip code and street address. Fios is available in parts of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and some areas of the Midwest and South, but not nationwide. If the website says Fios is not available, it is not currently offered in your area.

What is the difference between Fios 300, 500, and Gig?

The numbers refer to read speeds: Fios 300 is around 300 Mbps, Fios 500 is around 500 Mbps, and Fios Gig is around 940 Mbps. All three have upload speeds that match or nearly match the read speeds. Choose based on how many people use your internet at once and what activities they do — streaming video, video conferencing, and file uploads all use bandwidth.

Do I have to rent the modem and router?

No. Fios includes the modem and router with the service at no separate charge. Verizon owns the equipment and replaces it if it fails. You can use your own router if you prefer, but you still need Verizon's modem to connect to the fiber line.

Can I cancel Fios without a penalty?

Fios internet has no long-term contract, but Verizon charges an early termination fee if you cancel during a promotional period. The fee depends on how much of the promotion remains. Ask Verizon what the early termination fee would be before you order so you know the cost to leave.

How long does Fios installation take?

A technician typically completes installation in one visit, which usually takes two to four hours. They run the fiber line to your home, install and test the modem and router, and walk you through basic setup. If your home needs significant preparation — like running cable through walls — installation may take longer or require multiple visits.